Why the Growth Mindset Unlocks Self-Motivation
Personal growth is the 6th core value that leads children to develop self-motivation. Personal growth is the act of becoming a better version of yourself. In order to do this one must first believe that a better version exist.
Yes, we are all born with innate talents and gifts. However, you must believe that these innate talents and gifts are just the starting point. You must also believe that anyone can develop and improve themselves through hard work and by getting help from others.
If you believe this, then this means you have a growth mindset. But the growth mindset doesn’t come natural. Many children start off having a fixed mindset. Having a fixed mindset is the belief that human characteristics are carved in stone at birth. You are either good at something or you’re not. If you are good at something it will come easy, if you’re not it will be hard.
As a result, a child who has a fixed mindset will never have the self-motivation to grow in areas that don’t come easy. Anytime something is hard, they will just believe they weren’t born with the right skills and give minimum or no effort.
Therefore, a growth mindset is a must to unlock the self-motivation one needs to succeed at anything that doesn’t come easy. If you notice that your child has a fixed mindset, then I highly recommend you read the Mindset book by Carol Dweck. This book will give you plenty of ideas on how to help your child change from a fixed to a growth mindset.